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Frugivores and seed dispersers are important in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems. Yet, these agents receive less attention, in particular from ubiquitous or garden-cultivated species like Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and Alocasia odora. Despite extensive ecological studies carried out across the distribution regions of both species in tropical and subtropical, the only known disperser of A. paeoniifolius is the bird-of-paradise that was reported from Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, there are reports of Pycnonotus and Eudynamys being the dispersers for both wild and cultivated Amorphophallus in India. Despite this, the frugivores and dispersal agents for both A. paeoniifolius and A. odora, in general, are not known and may be different in other parts of the world. In this study, I set up camera traps at five sites (two for A. paeoniifolius and three for A. odora) between 2017 and 2019 at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden to observe the frugivores and dispersal agents for these two ubiquitous cultivated aroid species. Apart from morphological observations on the infructescence of A. paeoniifolius and A. odora, the size of berries were measured and number of seeds per berry were counted. Six frugivores (Pycnonotus aurigaster, Copsychus saularis, Alophoixus pallidus, Niltiva davidi, Orthotomus sutorius, and Pycnonotus jocosus) were identified as potential dispersal agents, attracted to the colourful, succulent, and smaller (< 2 cm) berries. Pycnonotus aurigaster visited both A. odora and A. paeniifolius. The latter four frugivores visited A. paeniifolius, whereas P. jocosus visited only A. odora. All frugivores demonstrate endozoochory, and consumed the entire berries without showing any peculiar behaviour patterns. The berries are red-yellowish on ripening, with an average size of 1.63 cm ± 0.23 cm × 0.88 cm ± 0.19 (L × W) for A. paeniifolius, and 1.04 ± 0.09 cm × 0.67 ± 0.09 cm for A. odora. This study provides insight into how frugivores may depend on and connect to their regions of distribution as well as the distributions of plant taxa. Similar studies could be comparatively expanded into different distribution localities of A. paeoniifolius and A. odora for a wider understanding of their relationship linkage to the dispersal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Six fossil specimens of Ailanthus winged fruits are documented. • First-ever fossil record of Ailanthus confucii from India. • Ailanthus megafossil occurrences from the global geologic record are reviewed. • Suggest the possible migratory routes of Ailanthus. Even though it is now widespread in Asia and was widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere during the Cenozoic, fruits of the genus Ailanthus Desf. (Simaroubaceae) have not previously been documented from the Cenozoic of India. Here, we report the first Indian occurrence of fossil winged fruits corresponding to the modern genus Ailanthus having samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed from the latest Neogene sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. We determine their taxonomic position based on a detailed morphological comparison with similar modern and fossil specimens and discuss their palaeoclimatic significance. The fossil fruits are elongated, elliptic samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed and a marginal ventral vein starting from the seed extend to the base of the fruit. The fruits are 24–39 mm long and 11–16 mm wide. Based on the available morphological characters including locations of the stylar scar, main ventral vein, and the size of the samara, we assign these specimens to the fossil species Ailanthus confucii Unger. This species has a rich fossil record from the Cenozoic sediments of Europe, North America, and eastern Asia. However, this is the first report of A. confucii in India, which is significant for this species's biogeographic and evolutionary history. Based on morphological comparisons, A. confucii shows affinity to modern A. altissima. Here, we also review the biogeographic history of Ailanthus and suggest its possible migratory routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four-year field experiments were conducted to assess the effect of interannual rainfall variability and distribution on the plant growth parameters and yield five kharif onion cultivars, viz. Bhima Super, Bhima Dark Red, Agrifound Dark Red, Arka Kalyan and Phule Samarth. Each cultivar was replicated six times. The plant growth parameters and yield were recorded during the plant growth period. The results showed that rainfall received 30-60 days after transplanting substantially and negatively affected the plant growth parameters and bulb yield of all the cultivars during the high-rainfall years while increasing onion bulb rotting losses. Bhima Super and Bhima Dark Red produced significantly higher marketable bulb yields throughout the experimental period. Hence these two cultivars can be successfully cultivated during the kharif season. However, they produced 44.5-63.6% lower yield during the high-rainfall than the low-rainfall years. This indicates that the yield of kharif onion cultivars could be further increased through improved management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detailed description of the distribution, morphology and relationships with host plants (19 species; 15 new records as host plants) of Manatha albipes from Kerala, India is presented here. Significant differences in the morphology from populations of M. albipes from other areas of India have been described. The larval stages of these moths are polyphagous and cause low to severe damage in host plants. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 sequence of 692 bp length was sequenced and deposited in NCBI Genbank with the accession number MN717272.The sequence analysis confirms the identity of M. albipes as distinct from other closely related species of bagworms. M. albipes is not yet a major pest in Kerala but is emerging as a threat in the monocultures of neighbouring states. We demonstrate how many plant species in human altered habitations are carryover sources for M. albipes. Preliminary distribution map and threat analysis of the species in the state based on known land use data using GIS tools indicates large areas of agricultural land to be under threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is the insect pest of global agricultural importance due to its wide host range and cosmopolitan distribution, which is supported by a strong genetic base. This paper presents genetic diversity of the pest population feeding on different hosts (inter-host) and geographic locations (inter-location) in Uttarakhand Himalayas, India and their micro-evolutionary consequences. A total of 21 inter-host and 17 inter-location populations were studied using both nuclear (SSR markers i.e., 1st tier) and mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b i.e., 2nd tier). In case of inter-host populations, grouping was observed in relation to crop season (Kharif and Rabi), sequential growing of the crops and association of crops with weeds and concurrence of crop growth stages. Interestingly, in both the nuclear and mitogenome analysis, the wheat population stood separate as a major cluster, which might be due to its adaptation towards the crop in recent past in the region. Although there is a differential grouping in SSR and cytb based clustering in inter-location populations, high altitude populations stand separate. The study illustrates ecological and evolutionary driven behavioural adaptations in H. armigera populations in Uttarakhand Himalayan population, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As stated in the European Commission's waste framework directive, the geographic proximity of wastes to the potential recovery/disposal site is of paramount importance in attaining an effective resource recycling paradigm. The global interest in achieving an end-of-waste scenario encourages the recovery of useful products/secondary raw materials from locally available waste materials. Sugarcane bagasse ash is an abundantly available waste (44,200 tonnes day–1) from sugar plants in India which has the potential to be used as a partial replacement to cement in ready-mix concrete plants. Although pozzolanic performance of sugarcane bagasse ash and its ability in reducing the carbon emissions associated with concrete production have been reported in earlier research studies, its use in concrete is hindered due to the lack of availability and accessibility data. In this study, the geographical distribution of sugar plants and the available quantity of sugarcane bagasse ash in India have been determined. In addition, a detailed network analysis using a geographic information system was conducted to quantify the geographic proximity of bagasse ash, fly ash and slag sources to ready-mix concrete plants. The study results indicate that for most of the ready-mix concrete plants in India, the probability of having a bagasse ash source in proximity is higher than the probability of encountering slag/fly ash sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During ongoing studies of the mycoflora of Kerala State, India, three species of Crepidotus , namely, C. exilis A.M.Kumar & C.K.Pradeep sp. nov., C. globisporus A.M.Kumar & C.K.Pradeep sp. nov. and C. croceotinctus Peck, were discovered. These species are described and illustrated. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on maximum-likelihood analyses of nuclear ribosomal large subunit rDNA sequences are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop establishment methods and tillage practices significantly influence crop productivity by altering soil physical environment, root distribution and plant growth. The present study includes a combination of tillage practices for both rice and wheat i.e. deep tillage before rice (DTR) as well as wheat (DTW) along with conventional tillage before rice and wheat (CTRW) in main plots. The crop establishment methods i.e. no-tillage with residue (NTR) in wheat and direct seeded rice (DSR) were practiced in sub plots. These treatments were compared with traditional practices i.e. conventional tillage in wheat (CTW) and puddled transplanting in rice (PTR). It was reported that DTR and DTW results in 8% and 12% higher grain yields of rice and wheat, respectively over CTRW. Irrespective of crop establishment methods followed in rice, the NTR in wheat results in 7% higher wheat grain yield than CTW. The reduced soil mechanical resistance under deep tillage resulted in 18% and 22% more root length densities of rice and wheat than CT. Thus, among tillage practices, DTR and DTW and among crop establishment methods PTR and NTR are appropriate practices for sustaining crop productivity of rice-wheat systems in northwest India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographical distribution of plants of Meghalaya show that a total of 548 plant taxa belonging to 302 genera and 100 families are endemic to northeastern India or Indo-Burma or the eastern Himalaya region. Of these, 115 species are exclusively endemic to the state of Meghalaya. The dominant life form is epiphytes (25.4%), followed by trees (25%), shrubs (21.7%), herbs (21%), climbers (6.6%) and parasites (0.4%). In terms of species richness, Orchidaceae is the largest family with 146 species and Bulbophyllum is the dominant genera represented by 15 species. The present investigation reveals that most species considered endemic to the state of Meghalaya has extended geographic distribution to neighbouring states and other countries. Majority of the endemic taxa are restricted to protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, and small forest patches preserved in the form of community forests or sacred groves. Lesser known species with small populations outside the protected areas are on the verge of extinction due to a number of anthropogenic activities, hence warranting immediate conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed a national database on plant richness with 7761 species from 15,565 nested quadrants to offer the maiden and indicative plant richness pattern of India across its latitudinal and longitudinal gradient. We observed two peaks in the species richness curves along both latitudinal and longitudinal gradients, due to harbouring of higher species richness in the Western Ghats and the Himalayan hot spots. The bands at 10°–11°N latitude and 76°–77°E longitude accommodate maximum of 703 and 864 number of plant species respectively, which could be explained due to cumulative contribution of (i) the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar islands along latitudinal; and (ii) the Western Ghats, central India and the Western Himalaya along longitudinal gradients. On dissection of the relationship between plant richness to environment (i.e., geographic area, topography and vegetation types) using Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we observed varied explanations for latitude and longitude. While geographic area and topography explained (98.8% deviance) to the species richness pattern across longitude, all three explained (99% deviance) to the distribution pattern along latitude. We also found that the species richness and vegetation types are positively correlated. Environmental heterogeneity, especially geographic area, topography and disturbance explain the distribution pattern of plant richness in India. Knowing the spatial pattern of plant richness could help in formulating large-scale conservation measures for India. It is hoped that the study would attract larger readership, particularly the Indian bio-geographers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity is continually transformed by a changing climate. Conditions change across the face of the planet at variable pace leading to rearrangements of biological associations. The carbon cycle and the water cycle, arguably the two most important large-scale processes for life on Earth; depend on biodiversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels and can yield feedbacks to climate change. India is no less affected through this feedback mechanism of climate change and had shown its cause and effect association in several studies. In this special issue we present 25 papers contributed by ca 90 authors from India and elsewhere those discuss wide-ranging aspects of biodiversity and climate change. These contributions are based on presentations made at the 2nd International Workshop on Biodiversity and Climate Change (BDCC-2018) held on 24–27-February 2018 at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India. The papers are arranged in six sections: Plant (and lichen) Diversity and Climate; Plant Diversity Pattern and Environmental Heterogeneity; Forest Biomass and Carbon; Plant Diversity and Remote Sensing; Species Distribution Modelling; and Animal Diversity, Soil and Biotechnology. Included amongst the contributions are ones using a national database on plant diversity, describing vegetation carbon and biomass sequestration patterns, utilizing remote sensing to assess plant diversity proxies and conservation prioritization, employing species distribution models to analyze climate change scenarios, using acoustics indices for rapid assessment of biodiversity, addressing the soil micro-biome and environmental stress on medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change enhances invasive species distribution by altering species composition in native ecosystems. Here we assessed harmony in plant invasions of two perennial exotic species of similar origin and naturalised in India, i.e., Chromolaena odorata and Tridax procumbens. Predictions made for the current condition was subsequently projected for the years 2050 and 2100 for both moderate and extreme climate change scenarios. Maximum Entropy (Maxent) was applied to assess their habitat suitability, risk area identification and shifts in range sizes. The distribution of C. odorata could mostly depend on temperature and moisture availability; and invade the biodiversity-rich regions of India viz., the Eastern Ghats, the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalaya and the north-eastern regions. The prevalence of T. procumbens in central regions of India could demonstrate its greater dependencies on precipitation seasonality and radiation than that on temperature. These discrepancies in climatic dependencies allowed both for a harmonious distribution, i.e., inhabiting in regions not utilised by other. Both are likely to reduce their potential distribution areas in the future climate, where moisture availability is a key factor for their range expansion. The capacity to tolerate a wide range of temperature and solar radiation allowed T. procumbens to manage climate change impacts more efficiently, compared with C. odorata. The present study reveals harmony in their distributions and suggests distinct conservation protocols for each of them to control their invasion risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Knowledge of species richness patterns and their relation with climate is required to develop various forest management actions including habitat management, biodiversity and risk assessment, restoration and ecosystem modelling. In practice, the pattern of the data might not be spatially constant and cannot be well addressed by ordinary least square (OLS) regression. This study uses GWR to deal with spatial non-stationarity and to identify the spatial correlation between the plant richness distribution and the climate variables (i.e., the temperature and precipitation) in a 1° grid in different biogeographic zones of India. Methodology: We utilized the species richness data collected using 0.04 ha nested quadrats in an Indian study. The data from this national study, titled ‘Biodiversity Characterization at Landscape Level’, were aggregated at the 1° grid level and adjudged for sampling sufficiency. The performances of OLS and GWR models were compared in terms of the coefficient of determination (R2) and the corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc). Results and discussion: A comparative study of the R2 and AICc values of the models showed that all the GWR models performed better compared with the analogous OLS models. The climate variables were found to significantly influence the distribution of plant richness in India. The minimum precipitation (Pmin) consistently dominated individually (R2 = 0.69; AICc = 2608) and in combinations. Among the shared models, the one with a combination of Pmin and Tmin had the best model fits (R2 = 0.72 and AICc = 2619), and variation partitioning revealed that the influence of these parameters on the species richness distribution was dominant in the arid and the semi-arid zones and in the Deccan peninsula zone. Conclusion: The shift in climate variables and their power to explain the species richness of biogeographic zones suggests that the climate–diversity relationships of plants species vary spatially. In particular, the dominant influence of Tmin and Pmin could be closely linked to the climate tolerance hypothesis (CTH). We found that the climate variables had a significant influence in defining species richness patterns in India; however, various other environmental and non-environmental (edaphic, topographic and anthropogenic) variables need to be integrated in the models to understand climate–species richness relationships better at a finer scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study that examines the anthropogenic land cover and land use on the invasive aquatic macrophytes distribution in Northeast India's tropical floodplains.

An extensive survey and population analysis of the endemic and endangered tree Kingiodendron pinnatum, was carried out in the Kerala area of the Western Ghats. The aim was to assess the pattern of distribution, population size and natural regeneration of the species. The fragmented and patchy populations of the species are distributed in evergreen/semi evergreen habitats within an altitudinal range of 176-680m elevation. The tree attained a first layer/canopy species with a height range from 24-30m. Altogether 17 populations were identified and mapped in 13 forest locations in the region. A total of 140 adult individuals of the species were enumerated within the 13 forest locations. Natural regeneration of the species recorded from three zones among the 13 forest locations covering 21,000m² area representing the Kerala state. The flowering trees displayed a height and dbh range of 10-30m and 85-320cm, respectively. The individuals are spatially arranged in aggregation among patchy populations. The populations are well represented by reproductive individuals with 77% and pre reproductive with 23%. Seedlings of 35.9% attained a height below 1m and 64.01% of a height above 1m. Considering the extent of distribution in the state, increase in the number of mature individuals (in addition to the enumerated area), and fair count of seedlings suggests a healthier conservation status of the species in the region. The economic and medicinal values, occurrence of isolated and fragmented populations, irregularities in the flowering and fruiting period among populations, however, extends urgent concerns over the pollination biology, detection of diverse genotypes subsequent multiplication and restoration of dwindling populations for the effective conservation and management of the species in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the patterns in distribution, population density and uses of medicinal plant species in Dhauladhar mountain range of Himachal Pradesh in Indian Himalayas. The study area was stratified into three zones on the basis of forest types and altitudes. In each zone, quadrats were laid down for sampling of plant species, and the local people were interviewed for gathering information on medicinal uses of plants. A total of 184 plant species were encountered in the sampling plots, of which 86% had medicinal uses. Among woody plant species, the use of bark was highest, whereas in herbaceous species the use of leaf and root was highest for treatment of over 32 groups of diseases. In terms of density, Pinus roxburghii was the most dominant tree species in subtropical forests, which declined in temperate regions and was absent in subalpine forests. Rhododendron arboreum was the most dominant tree species in temperate region whereas in subalpine forests it was replaced by Abies pindrow, in terms of density. Berberis asiatica and Vitex negundo were the most dominant shrubs in subtropical forests besides Lantana camera, whereas Berberis lycium dominated the temperate and Juniperus indica dominated the subalpine forests. The heavy infestation of Lantana camera in sub-tropical forests has degraded the habitats of native medicinal plant species. Spearman’s correlation indicates positive correlation between local uses and density of respective medicinal plant species (P < 0.05). The results are further discussed in light of medicinal plants conservation in this part of the Indian Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently alien species are invading least invaded areas largely because of anthropogenic activities. The distribution of alien plant species is determined by many factors and in mountainous areas altitude is one of the most important factors determining the distribution of plant species. In order to understand the role of roads in distribution of alien plant species along elevational gradient, two road transects were selected. These two road transects were divided into equally spaced altitudinal zones and at each site 3 plots were selected. A total of 200 species were recorded out of which 133 were native and 67 were alien. Total species richness decreased with altitude while as native species richness increased. Level of invasion expressed as proportion of alien plant species decreased with altitude in all the three plots. In addition, floristic similarity between plots decreased with increasing altitudinal difference. From the present study it is clear that alien plant species have not invaded the alpine areas to a large extent but anthropogenic activities like unplanned road development and promotion of tourism in the area is likely to threaten the uninvaded high altitude areas of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of alien plant species in bio-rich mountains calls for documenting their distribution across altitudes. The present study, therefore, analysed altitudinal distribution of alien species richness in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh and tested the null hypothesis that-alien species richness in Himalaya is independent of altitude. For this, information on alien species was collated from published literature. As the zone above 5000 m is mostly snow-covered and devoid of major vegetation in the Himalaya, the altitudinal range from 300-5000 m was divided into bands of 100 m each. If a species was reported occurring from 300 to 600 m, then it's presence was counted in the 300-400 m, 400-500 m, and 500-600 m bands. All the species occurring in these individual 100 m bands were tabulated. For comparisons of alien species richness along altitude, five altitudinal groups were identified (>1000, 1000-2000, 2000-3000, 3000-4000 and 4000-5000). Their richness across and between these group was statistically compared using R. Alien species richness was maximum in the 1000-1100 m band, and significantly varied along the altitudinal gradient. Life form analyses revealed the absence of alien climbers above 2500 m. Alien species distribution patterns are in contrast to the native species distribution whose maximum richness is reported at mid-altitudes (2000-2500 m). This may be because most of the alien species are tropical in origin and have been introduced at lower altitudes. Interestingly, alike the native species, members of Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae dominated the alien flora along the entire altitudinal gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tupistra leonidii D.K. Roy & A.A. Mao (Asparagaceae), a new species from north-eastern India, is described and illustrated. The plant is distinguished from its closely allied congener, T. nutans in habit with obliquely oblong-elliptic leaf blade, comparatively shorter peduncle (to 10 cm long) and spike (to 3 cm long) with 10-12-flowers, shorter perianth tube, 1.5-2 mm long and in hemispheric to hemioblate white stigma speckled with purple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of its importance in nation-wide conservation planning, comprehensive information on geographic distribution of threatened plants in India is lacking. Even the threat status of these plants is ambiguous and the country's effort to conserve them is not widely known. A critical analysis of these aspects is essential for identifying gaps in threatened plant conservation. Keeping these in view, we present a review of the existing knowledge on geographic distribution pattern of threatened plants of India, their threat status, and conservation action undertaken to recover these species. Using the available data, we unravel patterns of distribution of these threatened plants in different states of India. When ranking of the families was done based on the total number of species under different threat categories, Orchidaceae (644), Fabaceae (185), Poaceae (164), Rubiaceae (103), Asteraceae (88), Euphorbiaceae (72), Asclepiadaceae (62) and Acanthaceae (60) constituted more than half of the total threatened plant species of India. A review on conservation efforts so far undertaken in different parts of the country revealed that the biodiversity-rich phytogeographic regions such as the Himalayas, North East India, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands had lesser conservation efforts in comparison to the Western Ghats, Vindhyas and Peninsular regions of India. The skewed distribution of threatened plants in different states did not truly reflect their absolute presence or absence; rather it is the result of incomplete survey because of the difficult geomorphological and associated geo-climatic conditions, tough terrain and remote locations. In addition, the current data on threatened plants suffer from methodological shortcomings such as classification without using the population data that are so crucial in modern day threat classification, and lack of long-term observational data. The review emphasizes the use of modern tools such as ecological niche modelling for population inventory, area of occupancy and extent of occurrence, and trends in population size and regeneration for precise threat classification conforming to globally accepted methods (e.g. IUCN version 3.1). The works undertaken through the support of Department of Biotechnology, GoI for conservation of 156 threatened plant species under different disciplines of conservation biology during the past three decades have also been compiled and reviewed. A successfully tested protocol following an integrated approach for threatened species conservation is recommended for future conservation action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Roscoea is described and illustrated. Roscoea megalantha Tosh.Yoshida & R.Yangzom occurs in the Eastern Zone of Bhutan and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh in India. A distribution map and an IUCN conservation assessment are given. A key to the three species of Roscoea found in Bhutan is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lianas are structurally dependent life-form that rely mostly on trees to access the forest canopy. The complex interactions between lianas and trees are often effected by host species' traits. Lianas are evolved with various climbing mechanisms that aid them attach and infest the host trees. Liana infestation on trees now seems to be common in many tropical forests, where they are abundant. The present study was aimed to investigate the patterns of liana-tree interactions in tropical dry evergreen forest of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (PCWS), southeast India. This study also analyzes the impact of various tree functional traits on liana colonization success in the PCWS. All trees = 10 cm girth at breast height (gbh) was measured along with lianas (= 1 cm diameter at 1.3 m from the rooting point) they hosted. Overall, 57.9% of trees in the study sites carried at least one liana. The infested trees hosted an average of 1.53 ± 0.49 (range; 0-8) lianas per tree. At PCWS, the trees with medium girth-class, moderate wood specific density, rough bark and those with pronounced summer leaflessness are more prone to be infested by lianas. The preference of lianas under different climbing mechanisms in selecting host trees remained similar, although their proportion differed slightly in the present study. Liana infestation on host trees can be highly dynamic under the current scenario of increasing liana abundance and biomass in tropical forests world over for which, we recommend the need for documenting the patterns of tree-liana interactions, by employing a standard protocol to facilitate global comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical forest ecosystems across the globe are under major threats from spread of exotic invasive plant species. Identification of biodiversity rich areas prone to large-scale plant invasion and their prioritisation is vital for targeting prevention and control programmes. Recent availability of field inventoried forest native and forest invasive species (FIS) data from a nation-wide biodiversity project in India, has served as a valuable source of information for conservation prioritization. Our approach considers prioritisation of phytogeographic areas based on congruence of spatial pattern of phytorichness distribution and spatial pattern of potential spread of hotspots of multiple FIS. We modelled native phytorichness at landscape scale following a three-tier methodology of mapping of habitat types, field sampling of vascular plants and spatial modelling with landscape matrices for central Indian landscape in India. The hotspots of multiple FIS were modelled with occurrences of 98 species, and optimally chosen environmental covariates using MaxEnt. We then integrated phytorichness and FIS invasion hotspots information to identify priority zones (high, medium and low) for informed policy decisions for conservation actions. Study emphasises that potential hotspots of invasive species should be considered for conservation priority setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the distribution of plant species at spatial (grid) scales are required as input for integrative analysis along with related climate, environment, topography and soil data. Although the world’s scientific community is increasingly generating data on plant species at various spatial grids and statistically interpolating and extrapolating the available information, data on plant diversity from the Asian continent are scant. Such data are unavailable for India, the mainland of which has part of three of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots. Although sufficient field sampling is always impossible and impractical, it is essential to utilize fully any available database by adjudging the sampling sufficiency at a given scale. In this work, we used an exhaustive database of the plant species of the Indian mainland that was sufficient in terms of sampling vegetation types. We transformed the data, obtained the distribution at the 1° and 2° spatial grid levels and evaluated the sampling sufficiency at acceptable threshold limits (60% to 80%). The greatest species richness values recorded in the 0.04 ha quadrant, 1° grid and 2° grid were 59, 623 and 1244, respectively. Clench model was significantly (p value < 0.001) fitted using the plant species data at both the grid levels with a very high coefficient of determination (>0.95). At an acceptable threshold limit of 70%, almost all the grids at the 2° level and more than 80% of the grids at the 1° level were found to be sufficiently sampled. Sampling sufficiency was observed to be highly scale-dependent as a greater number of 2° grids attained asymptotic behaviour following the species–area curve. Grid-level sampling insufficiency was attributed to lower numbers of sampling quadrats in forests with poor approachability, which coincided with the world biodiversity hotspots’, suggesting that additional sampling was required. We prescribe the use of the 1° and 2° spatial grids with sufficient sampling for any ecological analysis in conjunction with other data and thereby offer grid-level plant species richness data for the Indian mainland for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil leaflet impression described here as a new species Rourea miocaudata sp. nov., showing close resemblance with the modern leaflets of Rourea caudata Planch. (Connaraceae R. Br.), has been recorded from the lower part of the Siwalik sediments (Dafla Formation, middle-upper Miocene) exposed at the road-cutting section of Pinjoli area in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. The important morphological characters of the fossil are its narrow elliptic leaflet, cuneate base, long caudate apex, entire margin, eucamptodromous to brochidodromous secondary veins, presence of intersecondary veins, percurrent and reticulate tertiary veins and orthogonally reticulate quaternary veins. This is the first authentic record of the occurrence of leaflet comparable to R. caudata of Connaraceae from the Cenozoic sediments of India and abroad. At present R. caudata does not grow in India and is restricted only in southeast Asia especially in China and Myanmar. This taxon probably migrated to these southeast Asian regions after lower Siwalik sedimentation (middle-upper Miocene) due to climatic change caused by post-Miocene orogenic movement of the Himalaya. The recovery of this species and other earlier-described evergreen taxa from the same formation, suggests the existence of a tropical, warm and humid climatic conditions during the depositional period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction of big dams on rivers develops artificial lakes or water reservoirs which conceive alterations in soil properties of the upstream catchment area. An undulating topography and freckly soil properties cause ups and downs in tree diversity, composition and distribution. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Gobind Sagar reservoir on soil properties relative to the distance from it and aßsess its effect on tree diversity, evenness and their distribution in tropical and subtropical forests. Based on data analysis it was found that the soil moisture and organic carbon decreased along with increasing distance from the reservoir. It played a significant role in varying tree diversity. The sites distributed within 0-2 km showed significantly higher a and β-diversity indices. Tree species richness and diversity indices showed a strong correlation ( p < 0.05) with soil moisture and organic carbon content. Simpson's and McIntosh evenness indices showed a strong negative correlation with soil bulk density. Indirect Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) identified soil moisture and soil organic carbon as two major environmental gradients that influenced tree diversity and their distribution in five tropical and four subtropical forests in an upstream catchment of the reservoir. Mixed forests inhabited moist sites and Acacia-Pinus forests showed an inclination to dry areas. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) revealed that the tree species in tropical forests were mainly affected by driving forces such as soil moisture, organic carbon and bulk density whereas, in subtropical forest tree species were influenced by elevation, soil pH, EC and clay content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Lianas are abundant and diverse throughout the world and constitute an important structural and functional component of tropical forests. This study aims to investigate liana diversity, abundance and their functional traits in Indian tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF). Methods A total of ten 1-ha plots, one each in 10 Indian TDEF sites were demarcated. Each 1-ha plot was divided into one-hundred 10- × 10-m quadrats to facilitate woody species inventory. All lianas ≥1 cm diameter measured at 130 cm from the rooting point and all trees ≥10-cm girth at breast height (gbh) were recorded from the study sites to analyze the patterns of liana diversity and abundance and also to compare the contribution of lianas to the total woody species richness, density and basal area. Liana variables across the study sites were compared using one-way analysis of variance. The qualitative functional traits of inventoried lianas and trees were assessed on the field and referring to pertinent field manuals. Important Findings A total of 9237 liana individuals (ranged from 408-1658 individuals ha-1) representing 52 species, 45 genera and 28 families were encountered from the 10 study sites. Liana species richness ranged from 11-31 species ha-1 in 10 sites, which averaged 23.4 (±5.7) species ha-1. The total basal area of lianas in the study sites was 7. 3 m2 (0.20-1.76 m2 ha-1). There was a significant variation in liana species richness, density and basal area across the studied sites. On the whole, lianas contributed 52%, 49.3% and 4.1% to the total woody species (lianas and trees) richness, density and basal area, respectively. Liana trait analysis revealed the majority (50%) of lianas belonged to brevi-deciduous type. Stem twining was the chief climbing mechanism, exhibited by 21 species (52.6% of total abundance). More than half of the liana species (34 species; 6925 individuals) had microphyllous leaves. Fleshy-fruited lianas mostly bearing berries and drupes constituted the major fruit type in the studied sites. Zoochory was the predominant dispersal mode observed in 63.4% of species. Considering the ecological and functional role of lianas in Indian TDEF, the need for conservation is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the discovery of the Sida ravii species in Tamil Nadu, India. Topics discussed include the species' habitat along the roadslides and cultivated lands, geographical distribution, and flowering and fruiting season from July to December. A chart is presented which shows the species related to Sida spinosa and Sida acuta.

The article offers information on the discovery of orchid Diplocentrum recurvum or the recurved double spur orchid population in Andhra Pradesh, India after 100 years. Topics discussed include the ecology and habitat of the species, the fruiting and flowering season of the species, and examination of the specimens.

The article offers information on five flowering plants that were discovered and collected during the author's botanical exploration tours in Little Andaman & Nicobar Islands in India. Among the five plants that were mentioned include the Fioria vitifolia (L.) Mattei (Malvaceae), the Phoebe lanceolata (Nees) Nees (Lauraceae), and the Combretum acuminatum Roxb. (Combretaceae). Information on plant classification, flowering months, and distribution is also provided.

Orophea malabarica Sasidh. & Sivar. and Orophea sivarajanii Sasidh., of the family Annonaceae were found growing in close proximity as undergrowth with restricted distribution in the evergreen forest of Makutta Ghat, Kodagu District, Karnataka State, India. Earlier reports suggest that these are endemic to Kerala state of the Western Ghats and found distributed only in their type localities viz., Thrissur and Wayanad districts respectively. However, the present article reports extension of their range to new locations in Karnataka state and therefore become addition to the floral wealth of the state, as they were neither previously collected nor recorded from this region. The updated nomenclature, detailed description, flowering-fruiting seasons, distribution map, scanned herbarium specimens, field photographs, proposed conservation status and other relevant notes are provided in this communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-six strains of Bipolaris oryzae collected from infected seed from different geographical locations in India were used for the analysis of genetic variability by using molecular markers. The molecular characterization using three marker systems, i.e., universal rice primers (URPs), inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was carried out, which revealed differences in strains from different geographical origins as well as by clustering of various B. oryzae strains which otherwise could not be revealed through conventional characterization. Out of 13 URPs, 20 ISSR and 30 RAPD primers screened, seven URPs, eight ISSR and 14 RAPD markers gave very good reproducibility banding patterns. Polymorphic bands ranging between 86.3% and 100% in URP, 81.8% and 100% in ISSR, and 91.6% and 100% were recorded in the case of RAPD markers. The total number of bands recorded was 1791 with an average of 255.86 in URP, 2541 with an average of 317.63 in ISSR, and 3226 with an average of 230.42 in RAPD markers. Maximum heterozygosity ( Hn) was revealed by URP 30F (0.26), ISSR 6 (0.36) and RAPD marker OPB-1 (0.31). The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged between 0.69 and 6.43 in URP, 3.86 and 8.03 in ISS, and 2.58 and 8.55 in RAPD marker profiles. Maximum cophenetic correlation was found in URP ( r = 1.000), followed by ISSR ( r = 0.813) and RAPD ( r = 0.784). The combined analysis of all three marker systems showed high cophenetic correlation ( r = 0.848), which indicated a good fit of the data for genetic diversity analysis. Hence, combined use of three marker systems would be more sensitive and reliable in characterizing genetic variability in B. oryzae strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research: A large number of fossil coryphoid palm wood and fruits have been reported from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of India. We document the oldest well-preserved and very rare costapalmate palm leaves and inflorescence like structures from the same horizon. Methodology: A number of specimens were collected from Maastrichtian–Danian sediments of the Deccan Intertrappean beds, Ghughua, near Umaria, Dindori District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The specimens are compared with modern and fossil taxa of the family Arecaceae. Pivotal results: Sabalites dindoriensis sp. nov. is described based on fossil leaf specimens including basal to apical parts. These are the oldest coryphoid fossil palm leaves from India as well as, at the time of deposition, from the Gondwana- derived continents. Conclusions: The fossil record of coryphoid palm leaves presented here and reported from the Eurasian localities suggests that this is the oldest record of coryphoid palm leaves from India and also from the Gondwana- derived continents suggesting that the coryphoid palms were well established and wide spread on both northern and southern hemispheres by the Maastrichtian–Danian. The coryphoid palms probably dispersed into India from Europe via Africa during the latest Cretaceous long before the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The family Phyllanthaceae has a predominantly pantropical distribution. Of its several genera, Bridelia Willd. is of a special interest because it has disjunct equally distributed species in Africa and tropical Asia i.e. 18–20 species in Africa-Madagascar (all endemic) and 18 species in tropical Asia (some shared with Australia). On the basis of molecular phylogenetic study on Bridelia, it has been suggested that the genus evolved in Southeast Asia around 33±5 Ma, while speciation and migration to other parts of the world occurred at 10±2 Ma. Fossil records of Bridelia are equally important to support the molecular phylogenetic studies and plate tectonic models. Results: We describe a new fossil leaf of Bridelia from the late Oligocene (Chattian, 28.4–23 Ma) sediments of Assam, India. The detailed venation pattern of the fossil suggests its affinities with the extant B. ovata, B. retusa and B. stipularis. Based on the present fossil evidence and the known fossil records of Bridelia from the Tertiary sediments of Nepal and India, we infer that the genus evolved in India during the late Oligocene (Chattian, 28.4–23 Ma) and speciation occurred during the Miocene. The stem lineage of the genus migrated to Africa via “Iranian route” and again speciosed in Africa-Madagascar during the late Neogene resulting in the emergence of African endemic clades. Similarly, the genus also migrated to Southeast Asia via Myanmar after the complete suturing of Indian and Eurasian plates. The emergence and speciation of the genus in Asia and Africa is the result of climate change during the Cenozoic. Conclusions: On the basis of present and known fossil records of Bridelia, we have concluded that the genus evolved during the late Oligocene in northeast India. During the Neogene, the genus diversified and migrated to Southeast Asia via Myanmar and Africa via “Iranian Route”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamarind or imli is a well-known commodity of Indian cuisine, and has medicinal and industrial uses. The distribution, botany, and uses of its different parts are discussed. It is envisaged that tamarind was introduced in India by the Ethiopian traders before the Arabian traders reached India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musa argentii Gogoi & Borah (Musaceae), a new species, is described and illustrated from Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh, India based on observed morphological characteristics in the field. Its distribution and habitat are described, and a key to the species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive pest species, has appeared on a large scale on cotton in India since 2006. Its distribution within the plant, and associated yield losses in cotton, were studied over 2 years. Distribution of P. solenopsis was observed within the cotton plant from vegetative to boll formation stage. In the vegetative and square formation stages, the highest mealybug population was recorded on the upper portion of the stem, followed by the middle leaves of the plant. In the boll formation stage, there was no significant difference in distribution of the insect among plant parts. Losses in cotton due to the mealybug varied between 14.9% at Grade 1 and 53.6% at Grade 4, on a 0 to 4 severity index, with a mean reduction of 35% and 32%, during 2008 and 2009, respectively. There was a significant relationship between severity of infestation and decrease in seed cotton yield. The information generated from this study will help in the early detection of mealybug infestation and estimation of yield losses corresponding to the severity grade of the damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberis karnaliensis Bh. Adhikari, a recently described species was recorded for the first time from the Indian territory. Hence, it is being reported herewith as an addition to the Flora of India. The species differs from its closely related taxon viz. Berberis jaeschkeana Schneid. var. usteriana Schneid. in having coriaceous leaves and 5-6 primary veins on each side of the midrib. Detailed information on taxonomy, morphology, habitat, ecology and distribution of B. karnaliensis as well as photographs and illustrations are provided here for the species identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fossilised palm fruit of Cocos L. (C. binoriensis sp. nov.) is reported from the Binori Reserve Forest, Ghansor, Seoni District, Madhya Pradesh, India. The fruit is a 3-dimensionally preserved drupe, ovoid with clearly visible longitudinal ridges. The husk is made up of a thin smooth exocarp and fibrous mesocarp, with vertical and horizontal fibres present on the inner surface of the endocarp. The fruit is Maastrichtian-Danian in age and is the world's oldest fossil record of Cocos. The genus Cocos is now distributed in coastal areas of pantropical regions. The occurrence of Cocos along with coastal and mangrove remains such as Acrostichum, Barringtonia, Nypa, Sonneratia and marine algae Distichoplax and Peyssonellia previously recorded from Deccan Intertrappean beds further confirms the proximity of sea in the area in central India and indicates warm and humid conditions. The presence of Cocos and previously recorded palaeoflora supports the existence of tropical wet evergreen to semi-evergreen forests at the time of deposition in the area, in contrast to the dry to moist deciduous forests existing today in central India. The probable reasons for the change in climatic conditions are withdrawal of an arm of the sea from central India, the change in latitude, and a significant uplift of the Western Ghats during post-trappean times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the population of Cycas Sphaerica Roxb. or Cycadaceae found in Pinjarikonda Reserve Forest in Andhra Pradesh, India. The study involved the collection of Cycas, and the use of detailed survey and documentation of the native cycad taxa's geographical distribution. Results show that cycad habitat has offered extended geographical distribution of species in the Eastern Ghats of Andra Pradesh.

Silene vulgaris is an important ethnobotanical species, but so far no thorough meiotic analysis has been performed, despite its wide occurrence in temperate and alpine Himalayas, this prompted us to undertake present study. We investigated original meiotic chromosome number and effect of cytomixis on meiotic course, microsporogenesis and pollen grain size and fertility. The paper also summarizes the previously published chromosome counts in the species and cytogeography of 2 x and 4 x cytotypes in the Indian Himalayas and elsewhere. Meiocytes preparations were made through standard squashed technique in 1 % acetocarmine. Two ploidy levels have been determined during the cytomorphological surveys, diploid (2 n = 2 x = 24) and tetraploid (2 n = 4 x = 48). Most of the presently scored populations were found to be diploid (2 n = 2 x = 24). Morphologically 2 x and 4 x individuals were indistinguishable from each other. Meiosis was perfectly normal in 4 x cytotype. However, some of the 2 x plants showed the phenomenon of cytomixis and associated meiotic abnormalities. Consequent to cytomixis, hypo-, hyperploid and enucleated pollen mother cells (PMCs) were resulted. Such PMCs combined with other meiotic abnormalities yielded sterile and variable sized pollen grains. On the basis of overall information, it is clear that 2 x cytotype is the most widely distributed cytotype in the Indian Himalayas as well as elsewhere. On the other hand, the 4 x cytotype seems to be less frequently present in the Indian Himalayas and outside of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An annotated enumeration of Amischotolype (Commelinaceae) in India including one endemic species is given with description, illustrations and key. In addition, notes on the occurrence of genus Porandra in India is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the distribution, flowering, fruiting, and herbarium details of various rare and endemic taxa. Among the details provided are the flowering and fruiting of the Leucas anandaraona from January to April, the distribution of the Leucas beddomei in India, and the representative specimens of the Leucas deodikarii.

Climate has played a crucial role in assigning a different kind of topography to Rajasthan and Gujarat since the Cenozoic time. Evidently, three genera, namely, Dipterocarpus Gaert. f., Hopea Roxb. and Shorea Roxb. of the Dipterocarpaceae are described from the Neogene sediments of western India (Rajasthan and Gujarat). These taxa are marked by their complete absence in the region today. The presence of Dipterocarpaceae in western India has been noticed from the Early Eocene up to the Plio-Pleistocene in deep time. The family is usually a dominant component of the humid tropical and subtropical flora of the Indo-Malayan region and its discovery, along with earlier described fossils from western India indicates existence of ancient tropical rain forests in western India. A change in the climate affected warm and humid conditions occurring there during the Cenozoic resulting in arid to semi-arid climate at present which is responsible for the ultimate extinction of Dipterocarpaceae in the region. In addition, the palaeobiogeography of Dipterocarpaceae is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar photovoltaic (SPV) installations are growing in the distribution network due to the continuously decreasing prices of solar photovoltaic panels. Installing the SPV Plant on the distribution feeder supplying to the agricultural pumps is a challenging task due to the varying agricultural load pattern of the Agricultural Feeder (AG Feeder). Supply of power and demand creates potential challenges in the low voltage (LV) distribution system. This paper presents a case study of a 2 MW SPV connected to an agricultural feeder in India. Performance analysis has been carried out using field measurement data. The key parameters such as PV Penetration and Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) are calculated for analysis. Parameters such as Grid Dependency of the load and PV Contribution have been introduced in this paper, which relates to the SPV system behavior more aptly. It is recommended that the Time of Day (ToD) metering with the lowest cost during the solar generation hours will make agricultural consumers shift their demand matching with solar generation hours. Extensive analysis of agricultural feeder connected SPV power plant indicates that the power supply has improved for the feeder during winter and summer months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lectotype is designated for Senecio lagotis W. W. Sm. (Asteraceae) and for the combination Ligularia lagotis (W. W. Sm.) Hand.-Mazz. based on it. Ligularia lagotis (W. W. Sm.) Hand.-Mazz. is an independent species but not synonym of Ligularia virgaurea (Maxim.) Mattf. ex Rehder et Kobuski. as it was treated earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interesting sac-bearing species P. bantamensis is added here to the liverwort flora of the Indian mainland from Assam, a part of the Indo-Burmese biodiversity hotspot. It was earlier recorded in the Nicobar Islands for India. Incidentally, the subgenus Metaplagiochila, under which the species falls, is a new record for the Indian mainland as well. The species is described in detail, illustrated and its distribution is mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits ofTribulus terrestrisL. are known for its medicinal and dietary application in the traditional medicine of India and other parts of the World. Protodioscin and Prototribestin are steroidal saponins notably found in theT. terrestris. The aim of the present study is to quantify protodioscin and prototribestin in fruits ofT. terrestriscollected from different phytogeographical zones of India to check the chemotaxonomic variation, if any, through HPTLC using ternary mobile phase of n butanol:glacial acetic acid:water (80:06:20, v/v/v) on precoated silica gel 60 F254aluminum plates. Analytical studies showed considerable variations of Protodioscin and Prototribestin content inT. terrestrisfruits, and it was observed that maximum percentage of Protodioscin (0.317%) found in samples from Western Ghat of India and maximum percentage of Prototribestin (0.636%) found in sample growing in the Arid zone of India. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper deals with the ecology, population size, status of regeneration, habitat degradation and threat status of Elaeocarpus venustus Bedd. an endemic and threatened tree species restricted to Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve, southern Western Ghats, India. The population sites of this species in the study area were recorded using Global Positioning System and mapped using Arc GIS software. The population of this species is highly fragmented due to anthropogenic activities. The total stem count in all population sites from the study area was carried out to understand the population structure. A total of 181 saplings were recorded from the entire study area of which 180 are from a single site. Nearly 64% of the stems recorded in this study are mature stems. Poor regeneration was seen in population sites that were highly disturbed. In spite of good adult population, the low number of saplings shows poor germination of seeds and establishment of seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new species Rhododendron mechukae A.A.Mao & A.Paul (Ericaceae) is described from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]